Packers predicted to be interested in possible $43 million cap casualty

The Green Bay Packers are busy preparing for the 2026 season. As has usually been the case, the Packers weren't very active in free agency this offseason. 

The biggest story around the team right now is the health of Micah Parsons. It was originally hoped he could be ready near the beginning of the season, but it now seems like the team is hoping for a mid-October return. It's definitely smart to not rush him back, but that leaves the depth on the edges rather thin. 

The Packers probably aren't making any big moves before the season, but they could still add a helpful player or two. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report recently identified some veterans who could be cap casualties, and Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville Jaguars was one listed. 

Kay believes Armstead could end up in Green Bay if he is released. Kay offered the following analysis: 

If Armstead does get released, there will likely be several teams clamoring for his services. 

The Green Bay Packers have been looking to get over the playoff hump after several fruitless trips and could benefit mightily from a grizzled veteran like Armstead joining their side. The Pack have a talented but young defensive line, one that could use a mentor and part-time rotational piece like Armstead to push them to the next level.

Arik Armstead to the Packers? 

As Kay mentioned, Armstead will likely be a hot commodity if he is released. Armstead is a former first-round pick who has played all over the defensive line. 

Armstead's best season as a pass rusher came in 2019 when he racked up 10 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. In 2025 with the Jaguars, Armstead played in 16 games and collected 28 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and seven tackles for loss. 

Green Bay could certainly use a solid veteran like Armstead. Currently, the Packers are slated to start former sixth-round pick Karl Brooks at one defensive end spot, and Armstead would definitely be an improvement. 

Armstead won't make up for the loss of Parsons, but he can provide some pressures and keep the unit afloat. 

Did the Packers do enough for pass rush? 

Without Parsons, the Packers seem in line to start 2025 fourth-round pick Barryn Sorrell and Lukas Van Ness on the edges. Van Ness has yet to be the player the Packers expected when they drafted him, and Sorrell will need to take a big step from his rookie season. 

The only notable addition the team made at edge this offseason was drafting Dani Dennis-Sutton. It certainly seems like the team is confident its young pass rushers will step up, but I'm not sure that's the smartest plan. 

At least adding a player like Armstead would give the team some more experience on the defensive front. While not an elite player, Armstead is serviceable against the run and can give you a couple pressures a game. 

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